OraQuick HIV Self Test

OraQuick HIV Self Test is the most technically advanced HIV self-test available, providing an incredibly accurate result within minutes, simply and on your own terms. No HIV test is easier - just a simple and pain-free swab of your gums. No blood. No labs. No questions. 3 simple steps - just swipe, dip and you’re done. OraQuick HIV Self Test can detect antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2. Included in this test kit is an OraQuick HIV Self Test device, a tube containing buffer solution, a test strand, instructions for use and a disposal bag.

How to use this test

Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before performing your test. Do not use any oral cleaning products like toothpaste or mouthwash for at least 30 minutes before performing your test. To start, gently swab the pad along your upper gums once and your lower gums once, using either side of the flat pad. Then put the test directly into the test tube where indicated in the upper portion of the test kit. The test window will turn pink for a few minutes. Do not read your results before 20 minutes have passed. Once your results are ready, you must read between 20 and 40 minutes from the start time.  

When should I use this test?

You can test from 4 weeks after your most recent exposure and although encouraging, you should not rely on a negative result until 12 weeks after your most recent exposure. This is because people make antibodies (seroconvert) at different times depending upon their own immune system and this is what is referred to as the ‘window period’.

By 4 weeks, about half of people have made detectable antibodies and by 6 weeks this has gone up to about 95%. However, some people do not produce antibodies until later. By 12 weeks, 99.9% of people have made antibodies. If you test within 12 weeks of possible exposure and your test result is negative, you should test again 12 weeks after the possible exposure. A positive result is always a positive result regardless of the window period. 

How accurate is this test?

OraQuick HIV Self Test has a proven accuracy of 99.7%. The sensitivity (if a person has HIV, how often the test will correctly be positive) is 99.9% and specificity (if a person doesn’t have HIV, how often the test will correctly be negative) is 99.8%. This test has a built-in sample control line, which means the control line can only appear if you swab your gums and perform your test correctly. 

What should I do if my test is positive?

If you get a positive test result, you must get your result confirmed by a healthcare professional. Try not to worry, HIV is a treatable condition if you know your status. Just one antiretroviral tablet a day can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, meaning your own health and life expectancy are protected and as importantly, the virus cannot be passed on.